ALUMINUM-MATRIX COMPOSITES - A NEW MATERI AL IN HORSESHOEING - PART 1- FORGING HORSESHOES

The first step of the experiments included the development of techniqu es for the proper forming of plain stamped and fullered horseshoes mad e of aluminium matrix composites. Particle reinforced wrought alloy, W 6A 22 A (AlMg1SiCu, 22% Al2O3) in SERIES A and foundry alloy, F3 S,20S -T6 (20% SiC) in SERIES B were forged out oi bars (25 x 10 mm) using a specially constructed electric forge. The ideal forging temperature w as found at 380 - 450 degrees C, with 650 degrees C inside the forge. Forging in a wrong range of temperature was the most important factor of material failure. A portable temperature measuring device was used for the estimation of the forging temperature. In a second step plain fullered horseshoes with a proved macroscopic quality were nailed on c adaver specimen. Fitting the horseshoes, as well as setting the toe ca n only be recommended with cold shoes. Studs and tungsten carbide pins could easily be applied at the horseshoes.